(EU)ROPA

This research project aimed to identify, systematize, characterize, and expose one of the most celebrated phenomena of contemporary culture, "Portuguese architecture," and confront its history, ideas, and methods with a transforming world. Although recurring in architectural debate, Portuguese architecture remains virtually unknown or poorly understood. This project will present and debate the phenomenon extensively, through the English language, opening it to a global audience. Gathering a group of researchers with extensive CVs in this area, the project will leverage their experiences to create an innovative reading of Portuguese architecture, launching a new critical dimension and global relevance.

The trajectory and 'rise' of Portuguese architecture will be analyzed in three areas: Foundations, Platform, and Progression.

'Foundations' is an investigation into the genealogy of Portuguese architecture, its history, and main themes, presented as 'lines, documents, and buildings.' This will return to the Portuguese empire in Brazil, Asia, and Africa, the Pombaline reconstruction of Lisbon, Fine Arts and Art Nouveau, the Casa Portuguesa promoted by the Estado Novo, and modernist interpretations. In the 1960s, we will look at the beginning of the 'rise' of Portuguese architecture. We will focus on the 'foundations' concentrating on the 'rise' period from 1966 to 2016: from the inauguration of Álvaro Siza's Leça Swimming Pool to the present. 'Foundations' will create a description and a theory about Portuguese architecture (including 'other' Portuguese architectures in Macau and Africa).

'Platform' aims to create a database that will host information about the 'lines, documents, and buildings' of 'foundations' and about the research and activities of 'progression.' It will function as a site for future investigations and for disseminating the topic after the project's completion. It will support dissemination activities—editorial, filmic, curatorial—and will serve as an online network about Portuguese architecture.

'Progression' will confront Portuguese architecture with the central themes of Europe today: democracy vs. bureaucracy, globalization vs. nationalism, post-colonialism vs. colonialism; and with the changes in the architect's profession and the role of architecture in society. This investigation will test the resilience and contribution of Portuguese architecture in the current political, economic, and cultural landscape. In this sense, the project includes creating a network of young researchers working in different European institutions, 'Facing Europe,' who will produce a multifaceted and critical vision of (EU)ROPA through workshops.

Citing Giorgio Agamben, the project aims to confirm that 'between the archaic and the modern, there is a secret commitment' and to question the status of Portuguese architecture as firmly rooted in European culture.

Funding:

• FEDER - European Regional Development Fund through the COMPETE 2020 - Operational Programme for Competitiveness and Internationalisation (POCI)
• FCT - Foundation for Science and Technology (portuguese funds through)

Coordination:

• Jorge Figueira
• Bruno Gil

Based at:

• CES

Team:

• Ana Vaz Milheiro
• Bruno Gil
• Carlos Machado e Moura
• Carolina Coelho
• Eliana Sousa Santos
• Gonçalo Canto Moniz
• Jorge Figueira (coord)
• José António Bandeirinha
• Luís Miguel Correia
• Nuno Grande
• Rui Lobo